Oh and well played Bolton, proof that Diouf (hey that rhymes!) is somewhat skilled.

Ah well.

Great game - I'm sure everyone who saw it enjoyed it.

First half belonged to Arsenal. The passing pace and movement was awesome and whenever we had the ball they gave us no time on it whatsoever. The opening goal, albeit it with a couple of elements of luck about it had to be admired as they cut through our midfield and defence.

I thought we were the better team in the second and deserved the late equaliser.

Into extra-time I thought we were looking the more likely team to win it, but then the age of the players began to show. Suddenly we ran out of steam and Arsenal's players didn't - this was perfectly illustrated on numerous occasions when Arsenal players managed to run 30 or 40 yards past very tired legs. This was also the story for Ljungberg's goal - which was excellent not only in the build up, but also in the clinical finish.

What followed from then was pretty much comical with our entire team caught up the other end of the pitch.

All in all, a fabulous match which had eveything you could've asked for. No complaints from me about the end result ...... although I'm sure for our attitude and never die spirit not many people would've begrudged us taking it through to penalties.

......... and I think we all know which team would've won on penalties.




Stand-out players for me :-

Diaby - really reminded me of Patrick Vieira. I think this guy is going to be awesome.

Hleb - Far better than I thought he'd be. Wonderfully quick feet and was key to so may Arsenal attacks.

Ben Haim and Meite - Awesome performance from the two centre-backs. Whoever get's Ben Haim in the summer on a free are a very lucky team.

Diouf - A constant threat and our most creative player by a mile.

GM - a quick word about Denilson. Sorry pal, but he didn't really do anything to special to get me excited. He had a decent game but he was the most anonymous of the Arsenal midfielders.


Finally, a special to the ref. By the letter of the law, Anelka should've received a red card - absolutely no doubt about it. I've not seen any replays of it and I was convinced he won the ball, however, after discussing with colleagues this morning I'm informed the ref got the decision spot-on ............. but thankfully, maybe a little bit out of pity and with taking the events into account (and maybe because it's the first time Anelka has ever ran the length of the pitch to try and get in a tackle) he only gave him a yellow.

Dread to think what'll happen if we end up getting penalties this weekend - with Harewood, Yakubu, Gilberto and Baptista missing, has some kind of magnetic forcefield been created to stop them going in? Or were they just crap?

ENJOY it??? You think I ENJOYED that??? One of the most harrowing experiences of my life!!!




Seriously though, we should have had that wrapped up 3-0 at least in 90 minutes, and it was only piss-poor finishing which meant that we didn't. Bolton had some great spells of possession in the second half and the beginning of extra time, but only threatened really a few times. Almunia saved us there, as did the post once.

Really, I agree with everything you have said Mr P. I was VERY impressed with the ref, who kept the game flowing. Anelka should have been sent off, of course, and I was very surprised he didn't get the red, but in retrospect (now that we've won) I can say that I understand why he was let off - it would have spoiled the game. However, if we'd lost I am sure I'd have been screaming for his blood!!!

Special mention to Hleb, who had a great game, and lovely Freddie, who saved our bacon (with some help from Aliadiere). For Bolton...well, respect to El Hadji, who played brilliantly, and played cleanly, and those two don't often go together.

Mr P...I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting an easy game, I certainly wasn't expecting a game like that, and there are lots of other teams I would rather we'd knocked out.



Vicky

Agreed - had Adebayor and Baptista been more clinical with some fairly straightforward chances then it could've been an easy victory.

That said though, and maybe I'm being biased , I think it would've been an unfair reflection on the game as a whole - and had we been on the end of a scoreline that suggested a hammering then I think that too would've been very harsh on us.

I felt really sorry for Campo last night. Even though he was caught out of position time and again - having to play as an emergency RB - due to his lack of pace, he tried his heart out. In the second period of extra time he couldn't even break into a job.

Like I said before I was proud of every one of them for the spirit they showed. They absolutely refused to give up .............. and Anelka's foul on Adebayor was great to see. That may sound a bit stupid, but to see someone like Anelka running that far back so late in the game to chase what was inevitably a lost cause, shows the kind of team spirit Big Sam has instilled in the players.

If we can show that sort of heart for the rest of the season then European qualification should be a given.

Finally, a decent ref in the PL ...a rarity.

About Denilson, he was the one reason why we won that game. When older heads around him were panicking (Djourou, Toure and even Gilberto) he was the one player that kept possession of the ball - something we lacked the moment Hleb/Rosicky went off. His heading, tackling and composure were way beyond any17 year old Ive seen play in the Premiership with the laudable exception of Cesc. Tactically he had no reason to fear Bolton (no demons to exorcise) and he played with no fear.

Gilberto normally takes very good penalties, I guess he went for power instead of placement but Baptista had a very poor game in front of goal, but his movement and positioning were very good hence the reason he found himself with so many chances.

Just a shame it wasn't a PL game.


I'm sure normal service will be resumed at the weekend though.


.... oh hang on, no PL games this weekend is there - it's that Mickey Mouse competition I believe. Think I'll go to Ikea with the missus.

I was glad he didnt make rushed decisions, allowed minor indiscretions to go away and hardly had to book anyone - 3 cards in a 120 minute encounter shows he's excellent.

A footnote is Im kind of glad Henry did not play as he would have been more of a hinderance, Ljungberg, apart from the goal was continually skinned and played very poorly defensively.

Ikea? You doing some grovelling for making her stay home last night.

I have to do a similar thing. Perhaps we should have left our better halves together having dinner while you and I popped down the pub!!!

Back to the footy....Denilson, "if you can keep your head when all around are losing theirs..." I would never have guessed at his youth and inexperience watching him last night. Gilberto, on the other hand, was floundering more than once. Which does not bode well.

Vicky